Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Names a New Executive Director

We’re excited to announce that Karey Padding, LMSW, will be KAAP’s new Executive Director. We are excited that she’ll be leading KAAP, as she brings a unique set of skills and experience.

Karey Padding is a passionate nonprofit leader dedicated to creating meaningful change for children, families, and communities. Throughout her career, Karey has combined advocacy, strategic planning, and relationship-building to strengthen organizations and expand access to critical resources. She recently accepted the role of Executive Director at KAAP, where she is excited to work alongside an incredible team and board to advance the mission of improving the health and well-being of Kansas children. Karey brings not only extensive leadership experience but also a deep personal commitment to equity, collaboration, and innovation in healthcare and family services.

Before joining KAAP, Karey served as Associate Executive Director at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Heart of America Chapter. In that role, she built strong partnerships, led signature events, and worked closely with the board to drive growth and sustainability. Her efforts focused on creating a donor-centric culture and ensuring families had access to the latest research and resources. Karey’s dedication to improving health outcomes also led her to co-author a 2025 article in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening titled “Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening: A Systematic Review-Driven Consensus Guideline from the United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.” This work reflects her commitment to advancing equity and quality in healthcare and influencing national standards.

Her journey includes leading The Treehouse, Inc. as Executive Director, where she championed programs for families in need, and holding leadership roles with Aetna Better Health of Kansas and Ascension Via Christi, where she managed large interdisciplinary teams and developed innovative care coordination strategies. These experiences shaped her ability to lead complex organizations, build strong teams, and create systems that truly serve people.

Beyond her professional roles, Karey has served in numerous advocacy and leadership positions, including Past Chairman of the Board for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Heart of America Chapter, Council Chairwoman for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, and founding member of Wichita Women for Good. She has also contributed to statewide initiatives through the Kansas Newborn Screening Advisory Council and serves on the Advisory Council for Advance Kansas, a DEI Leadership Program. These roles highlight her passion for policy, inclusion, and community-driven solutions.

Karey holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Work and Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a proud 2024 graduate of Leadership Wichita. Above all, Karey believes in the power of collaboration and community. As a parent advocate for a child with special needs and a dual diagnosis, this mission is deeply personal to her. She looks forward to partnering with healthcare professionals, advocates, and families to make a lasting impact for Kansas children and to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.